Archbishop Tutu 'concerned' with Bil'in protester's conviction
28/08/2010
Source : Palestine Note
Rights groups and international officials, including EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, have decried this week the conviction of West Bank nonviolent protest leader Abdallah Abu Rahmah, and statesman Archbishop Desmond Tutu has released a statement expressing his concern over the conviction as well.
Said Archbishop Tutu in a Friday press release made available to Palestine Note:
“I am deeply concerned about the conviction earlier this week of Abdallah Abu Rahmah by an Israeli military court. When I met him with my fellow Elders last year, we were very impressed by his commitment to non-violence and the wise leadership he showed.
“He and his fellow activists have had some success in challenging the wall that divides the people of Bil’in from their land. Israel’s attempt to crack down on this effective resistance movement by criminalizing peaceful protest is unacceptable and unjust.
“I urge the Israeli authorities to release Abdallah Abu Rahmah immediately and unconditionally, and to overturn his conviction.”
Abu Rahmah has been a key leader in nonviolent demonstration against the building of Israel’s illegal separation barrier through the West Bank town of Bil’in. He was convicted in Israeli military court Tuesday for incitement and organizing "illegal demonstrations."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu chairs the The Elders, a group of global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela to support peace-building efforts around the world.
